800.035 Initial appearance.

289 words·~1 min read·/wi/chapter-800/800-035-3

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(1)A defendant may make an initial appearance in person or by submitting a written response to the citation or complaint except when the judge has required an appearance under s. 800.02

(ag)4. For the purposes of this section, if a defendant is a limited liability company, the defendant appears in person if the appearance is by a member, as defined in s. 183.0102

(11), by an agent or authorized employee of the defendant, or by an agent of the member or an authorized employee of the agent.

(1m)An attorney may provide limited scope representation to a person involved in a municipal court action as provided in ss. 802.045 and 802.05 .

(2)If a defendant appears in person, all of the following shall occur:

(a)The court shall, either orally or in writing, do all of the following:

1. Inform the defendant of each charge and explain the range of penalties for each charge.

2. Inform the defendant that he or she may plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest or may request a continuance.

3. Inform the defendant of the right to a jury trial on charges filed under an ordinance in conformity with s. 346.63

(1)or

(5).

4. Inform the defendant that if he or she is unable to pay the forfeiture, costs, fees, or surcharges due to poverty, he or she may request an installment payment, community service, or a stay of the judgment.

5. Inform the defendant that he or she must notify the court in writing within 5 days of any change of his or her address during the pendency of the case.

(b)The defendant shall enter a plea or request a continuance.